At SQL Server Magazine, we’re all about helping DBAs and developers do their jobs faster and more efficiently—especially now, when they’re being expected to do more with less staff and funding. That’s why, when we realized just how many free SQL Server tools are available, we decided to bring them to your attention. You might recognize some of these tools from Kevin Kline’s Tool Time or Michael Otey’s Back Page, and many of these tools can be found on Microsoft’s CodePlex website. These tools were created by in-the-trenches DBAs and developers, as well as third-party SQL Server product vendors, to solve specific SQL Server problems or to fill holes in SQL Server’s functionality. There are so many free SQL Server tools that we couldn’t test them all, so be sure to test them yourself before running them in production.

Code Formatters

•ApexSQL Refactor—This SQL Server Management Studio add-inoffers 43 customizable options for formatting your SQL code and lets you preview your changes before you save them (www.apexsql.com/sql_tools_refactor.asp)
•Instant SQL Formatter—This tool not only reformats your SQL code but also turns your formatted SQL code into HTML code and translates your SQL code into other coding languages such as C# and Java (www.wangz.net/gsqlparser/sqlpp/sqlformat.htm)
•Manoli C# Code Format—You can use this tool to format code to the HTML 4.01 specification for a website or blog (www.manoli.net/csharpformat)
•Simple-Talk Code Prettifier—This tool converts your ASCII source code into HTML code so that you can paste it into an online element such as a blog or website (www.simple-talk.com/prettifier/default.php)
•SQLinForm—With this SQL code formatter, SQL statements aren’t transferred over the Internet and there’s nothing to install (www.sqlinform.com)